Round 1 Re-Cap!!

Round one was unforgettable! It was the most fun I have ever had at a rodeo ever. To be able to compete in that arena against the best in the world is what I have longed for for a long time.
Warming up my horse before the grand entry, I began to feel a little anxious. I swung through my ropes and picked one out, I jumped on my good horse and took for a few circles, then got on my horse I am riding for the grand entries to make sure he wouldn’t buck me off, seriously! Ha. Riding down the ally behind the Texas Flag into the arena was when it really hit me. That was when I realized I made it. Riding fast around and looking up at the crowd, I thanked God for that moment. After the grand entry, I got back on my good horse and rodeo around on the carpet to the other side to start getting ready to rope. Being behind the boxes as a contestant was AWESOME!!! I absolutely loved every minute of it.

Riding down the ally behind the Texas flag held by Trevor Brazille.

I was trying to stay warm, keep the feeling in my fingers and get my shoulders moving right alongside the veterans that have been coming there for years. When I got on and was riding down the ally to wait my turn, I got excited. I went to watch the start and I had to slow myself down a little bit and just take it in. I had just walked behind the roping boxes during the sold out stadium at the Thomas and Mack for the first time, and I could feel it. The pressure from the crowd around just barrels down on you. Nothing else like it! I watched the start for a few runs and I was starting to get impatient. I WANTED TO ROPE!!! Ha! Turtle Powell was right up before me and so I got on my horse and watched them rope. It’s my turn now. When I was riding to the box, the coolest thing happened. I completely zoned in like I have never before. I walked through the gate and all I thought about was turning my steer for money. Seriously. I forgot I was at the NFR. I have never felt more calm and focused than I was last night. I nodded my head and got an ok start. The steer stepped right a little bit into Buddy and I had to reach over there and get him. We ended catching, but we were 10.1.

Panorama photo of Buddy and I finishing our run last night.

Riding out the back of the arena, I realized what I had just been through. I was so anxious and tired of waiting for that moment that when I was there, I just sat back and soaked it all in. I never once got nervous. I usually do get nervous when I am walking into the box or about to back in, but last night, I never felt nervous one time. It was almost as if nothing else was around me. All I could think about was getting a clean start and turning my steer. I hope I get that focused in tonight as well. I bet y’all are having fun watching the NFR no matter where you are. Have a good day! DH